MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Identification and Biological Characteristics of Alternaria gossypina as a Promising Biocontrol Agent for the Control of Mikania micrantha

Summary

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Alternaria gossypina can effectively kill an invasive weed called Mikania micrantha that threatens ecosystems worldwide. Through laboratory testing, they identified optimal conditions for growing this fungus and confirmed it can infect and damage the weed’s leaves. This discovery offers a promising natural and environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides for controlling this problematic invasive plant species.

Background

Mikania micrantha is one of the world’s most threatening invasive plant species that has significantly reduced species diversity in invaded areas. Fungal herbicides using phytopathogenic fungi have attracted considerable attention as environmental alternatives to chemical control. This study focuses on developing A. gossypina as a potential biocontrol agent.

Objective

To isolate, identify, and characterize a highly pathogenic fungal strain (SWFU-MM002) from naturally infected M. micrantha leaves. The study aimed to determine its taxonomic status through morphological and molecular analysis and investigate its optimal culture conditions for potential biocontrol application.

Results

Strain SWFU-MM002 was identified as Alternaria gossypina through combined morphological and molecular analysis. Optimal growth conditions were determined: PDA medium, 27°C temperature, pH 6-10, maltose as carbon source, and peptone as nitrogen source. Microscopic observation showed mycelia invaded leaves through stomata, eventually causing severe leaf damage with disease index reaching 75.74.

Conclusion

A. gossypina is a promising biocontrol agent for M. micrantha with strong pathogenicity and suitable biological characteristics for large-scale culture. This is the first report of M. micrantha leaf spot caused by A. gossypina, providing a foundation for developing this fungus as an environmental-friendly biocontrol solution for invasive weed management.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 39452643, DOI: 10.3390/jof10100691
Scroll to Top